Singapore is a small but vibrant country with a rich culture and history. It’s known for its efficient public services, diverse culinary scene, green urban spaces and strict laws. As a major financial hub inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, Singapore offers many facets that can become riddle topics.
In this article, we have compiled 55 riddles about various aspects of Singapore, ranging from general knowledge questions about its founding and landmarks to fun riddles touching on local food and culture. Each riddle comes with an answer so you can test your own knowledge about this island nation. Read on for some entertaining brainteasers!
History & Government Riddles
When was Singapore founded?
I was founded in 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles established a British port on the island. What year was it when Singapore’s modern founding took place?
Answer: 1819
Which month does Singapore celebrate its National Day?
Singapore’s independence from Malaysia in 1965 is commemorated annually on the 9th day of a summer month. Do you know what specific month this holiday takes place in?
Answer: August
What was Singapore’s previous name?
Before becoming known as Singapore, I was called Temasek, meaning “Sea Town” in the Malay language. What was my previous moniker?
Answer: Temasek
How many stars are on Singapore’s flag?
Singapore’s national flag features two primary colors split diagonally by a white shape. How many five-pointed stars appear on the entire flag?
Answer: Five stars
What percentage of Singapore’s population is foreign-born?
With a diverse population from China, Malaysia, India and more, quite a large percentage of residents in modern Singapore were born overseas. Roughly what proportion of Singapore’s current population was born in another country?
Answer: 40%
Places & Landmarks Riddles
What does the Merlion statue depict?
With the head of a lion and the body of a fish, I’m an iconic mythical creature statue and national personification of Singapore. What half-land, half-sea creature am I?
Answer: Merlion
Where might you find otters in Singapore?
Known as “Bishan 10”, a beloved family of smooth-coated otters frequently plays and hunts fish in a certain riverside park. What is the name of this park in central Singapore?
Answer: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
What is the name of Singapore’s airport?
I’m one of the world’s busiest airports, welcoming over 50 million passengers annually. Named after a former leader, what do they call me?
Answer: Changi Airport
Where is the Southern Ridges walking trail?
Connecting green spaces from Mount Faber to Kent Ridge, what 9km trail offers walking paths across Henderson Waves and forests high above the city?
Answer: The Southern Ridges
What is Marina Bay Sands famous for?
An iconic hotel in Singapore features an infinity pool on the 57th floor, spanning across three towers 200 meters above the city. What is the name of this luxurious destination with the “Skypark” pool?
Answer: Marina Bay Sands
Culture & Daily Life Riddles
Why are Singapore’s laws against littering strict?
To keep my country clean and green, those caught improperly disposing trash may be fined up to $1,000 on the first offense. Why are Singapore’s anti-littering laws so notoriously strict?
Answer: To maintain cleanliness and public health standards
What are the four official languages of Singapore?
With a multicultural society comprised mainly of Chinese, Malay and Indian descent, Singapore recognizes four official tongues. Can you name them?
Answer: English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, Tamil
When do Singaporeans celebrate Chinese New Year?
Coinciding with the new moon between late January to early February, what time of year do Singaporean families gather to welcome the Lunar New Year?
Answer: January or February
What is Singapore’s national sport?
Now retired from competition, I’m a Singaporean swimmer who won the first Olympic gold medal for Singapore in the 100-meter butterfly in 2008. Who am I?
Answer: Joseph Schooling
Why are cars in Singapore so expensive?
Import fees, taxes and the requirement to obtain a “Certificate of Entitlement” before purchase makes buying a car extremely costly in Singapore. Why are automobile prices notoriously high?
Answer: To manage traffic congestion and population density
Food & Cuisine Riddles
What sweet dessert has ice cream in bread?
I’m a delicious Singaporean dessert consisting of ice cream served between slices of fluffy soft bread. What sweet treat am I?
Answer: An ice cream sandwich
What drink is made from soybeans?
A popular beverage in Singapore’s hawker centres, I’m a cold snack made from pressed or blended soybeans and sugar. What Asian drink am I?
Answer: Soybean milk
What is Singapore’s national dish?
Topped with egg, shrimp and pork, I feature rice noodles in an umami broth flavored with seafood, chicken and vegetables. What iconic Singaporean dish am I describing?
Answer: Hainanese Chicken Rice
Where might you find laksa in Singapore?
Whether curry or assam-based broth, laksa noodle soup often comes with prawns and fish cakes. At what type of Singaporean eatery would you typically enjoy laksa?
Answer: Hawker centre
What is kaya made from?
I’m a sweet jam-like spread made from eggs, sugar, coconut milk and a tropical fruit that goes well when spread on toast or used in pastries. What are the key ingredients in kaya?
Answer: Egg, sugar, coconut milk and pandan
General Knowledge Riddles
How many islands make up Singapore?
Though seemingly one unified land mass, Singapore technically consists of over 60 separate islands. About how many islands comprise this island city-state?
Answer: Over 60 islands
When was the Singapore Zoo founded?
Opened to visitors in 1973, Singapore Zoo has over 2,400 animals across 300 species, accessible via walking trails designed to feel like the animals’ natural habitats. What decade was the Singapore Zoo first established?
Answer: The 1970s
What sound does the mythological Merlion make?
According to legend, the Merlion creature would roar with the hooves of a horse despite having the body of a fish. What menacing noise does folklore say the Merlion makes over the waterways?
Answer: A lion’s roar
Which island is Jurong Bird Park located on?
Singapore is home to the largest walk-in aviary in the world, where visitors can spot flamingos and eagles. What island is Jurong Bird Park located on in West Singapore?
Answer: Jurong Island
How many battleships are on display at Fort Siloso?
Located at the western tip of Sentosa Island, Fort Siloso now features museum exhibits along with gun mounts and tunnels from WWII. About how many retired battleships are found at this historical military site?
Answer: Zero or none – Fort Siloso is a coastal fort, not a naval base
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these entertaining riddles touching on Singaporean culture, cuisine, landmarks and history. Let me know in the comments if you were able to guess the answers or if you have any other brainteaser riddles related to this one-of-a-kind country! From the Merlion statue to iconic dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, Singapore has many unusual traits that lend themselves well to fun quizzes. Feel free to explore further fascinating facts and trivia about Singapore. Thanks for reading!
